empty oil tank ?

red 2.7 · 08-16-2008, 10:35 AM

I let my 1977 911 sit for a few weeks waiting for parts and decided to drain the oil. I removed the drain plug from the oil tank and only a few ounces drained. All the oil was in the crankcase. Is this normal?

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 11:01 AM

No. Well, at least I don't think so. Can't imagine three gallons of oil, or a large percentage of it what with some in the oil lines, sitting in teh crankcase without causing bad hydrolocking of the cylinders after sneaking past the rings. I typically leave my SC sitting for four months without a start, during winter storage, and it starts right up without even smoking more than a little bit.

red 2.7 · 08-16-2008, 11:00 AM

I was afraid of that. What could it be ?

88911coupe · 08-16-2008, 11:08 AM

possibly stupid question, but are you SURE it had sufficient oil in before you let it sit?

ossiblue · 08-16-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red 2.7

I let my 1977 911 sit for a few weeks waiting for parts and decided to drain the oil. I removed the drain plug from the oil tank and only a few ounces drained. All the oil was in the crankcase. Is this normal?

Do you mean that you were able to drain approx. 9 quarts of oil out of the crankcase?! If so, definitely not normal, especially for a car sitting only a few weeks. Were you parked on a slope?

red 2.7 · 08-16-2008, 02:35 PM

I drained about 1 litre from the oil tank and about 8 from the crankcase. The engine was running very warm the last time i used it. I ordered a carrera cooler and fan and I should have them by Monday. I'm thinking a defective internal cooler or thermostat? I purchased the car last fall and this spring I installed a 5 speed transaxle. I did not run it till it was about in the 80's outside. The temp gauge showed 230 just after warmup and stays there. Is this a clue? Thanks for the quick response guys.

tonythetarga · 08-16-2008, 04:04 PM

Not sure it makes a difference, but what brand and grade oil are you using?

Wil Ferch · 08-16-2008, 04:08 PM

Correct answer...yes...it makes a difference.

For the typical 13 qt system we have ( for those cars with a front cooler), an oil change will drain out about 10 qts of oil...about 3 stays behind. If the car was recently run, about 6 comes from the tank and 3 from the sump. If left overnite from a run, and the car sits for a while...just the opposite....about 6 comes from the sump and 3 from the tank. If the car sits much longer than overnite...almost all will come from the sump ( and whatever lines get filled up, maybe part of the tank too...gravity, doncha know !!!)

red 2.7 · 08-16-2008, 08:00 PM

Thanks Will this is what I wanted to hear, Can any one out there confirm? I've always changed the oil with the engine warmed up so this is the first time this happened to me. I detailed the engine and am still de -bugging the Webers and the ignition system. I'm enjoying the work so far and spent a couple of grand at our sponsor's. I sent the dizzy to Barry Hershon for a rebuild and I should get it tomorrow.
I am in Montreal Canada. It's soooo lonley for a Porsche guy over here.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

red
I can confirm...if Will Ferch says it is so...it is.

safe · safe's Garage

Yes, after a few weeks almost all oil will be in the crankcase, at least in my car.

red 2.7 · 08-17-2008, 04:39 AM

What a relief! You guys saved my bacon. I am a person who has a lot of compulsive anxiety issues and did not sleep well last night . I only put on about 50 miles on my car since detailing the motor and tranny. and doing all the work alone in my driveway( friends seem to be too busy when there's greasy work to be done) as I don't have a garage. I'll just store the car in winter. This forum has been a godsend. Kudos to Wayne and the community. I've been a general machinist for the past 35 yrs. are there any machining questions out there I can help with?

Wally in Montreal.

Wil Ferch · 08-18-2008, 05:48 PM

Wally...we'll keep you in mind when machining questions come up....... !

and Flintstone..... thanks , but not so quick...we each make mistakes on occasion...but thanks for the vote of confidence. I report either my own personal experiences or factoids from very reputable or often-cited sources.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

Wally...we'll keep you in mind when machining questions come up....... !

and Flintstone..... thanks , but not so quick...we each make mistakes on occasion...but thanks for the vote of confidence. I report either my own personal experiences or factoids from very reputable or often-cited sources.

Hence my remark...your tech responses are never "off the cuff"...plus I knew you were right. Don't be so modest.